HOME PROFILE: A harborside enclave in Gloucester

Friday

Nov 17, 2017 at 6:37 AMNov 20, 2017 at 12:50 PM

The answer is unequivocally "Yes." The question is whether one property can have it all: location, looks and lineage. The first and last "L" go hand in hand. On a picture-perfect site overlooking Gloucester Harbor (and seemingly built into the granite ledge) amidst almost 2.5 acres of rocky wooded landscapes, the house originally belonged to John Hays Hammond Sr. — his son built Hammond Castle and is often dubbed "the father of the remote control." The second "L" is even more wonderful. Spectacular Atlantic Ocean views from practically every room also include the Beauport Hotel, Stage Fort Park, City Hall and downtown. Eastern Point, the Dog Bar Breakwater and areas north of Boston are also part of the panorama.

By Barbara ForsterGateHouse Media

ADDRESS: 160 Western Ave., Gloucester

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 6 full

LIVING SPACE: 5,996 sq. ft.

PRICE: $3,750,000

The answer is unequivocally "Yes." The question is whether one property can have it all: location, looks and lineage.

The first and last "L" go hand in hand. On a picture-perfect site overlooking Gloucester Harbor (and seemingly built into the granite ledge) amidst almost 2.5 acres of rocky wooded landscapes, the house originally belonged to John Hays Hammond Sr. — his son built Hammond Castle and is often dubbed "the father of the remote control."

The second "L" is even more wonderful. Spectacular Atlantic Ocean views from practically every room also include the Beauport Hotel, Stage Fort Park, City Hall and downtown. Eastern Point, the Dog Bar Breakwater and areas north of Boston are also part of the panorama.

As for the iconic brick-and-stone main house itself, which is just beyond decorative wood gates and a stone courtyard, the fact is that "picturesque" borders on being an understatement.

The interior is equally captivating!

A few – of many, many – highlights

Leaded glass windows (clear from the outside; brilliantly colored on the inside) flank an extra wide door that opens into a spacious vestibule with a vaulted ceiling and marble floor. Then even wider, multi-glass pane French doors open to a huge, two-story foyer/gallery with beautiful hardwood flooring and a freestanding back-to-back fireplace with a marble hearth.

The fireplace on the other side is in an even larger, exceptionally bright indoor courtyard with a soaring ceiling that has six skylights and exposed beams.

The first-floor bedroom suite with a full bathroom, extra room and access to a private outdoor courtyard is another plus. Keeping this for guests is certainly one option but this could also be an envy-generating private home office.

The gigantic eat-in kitchen that overlooks the water has a plethora of glass- and closed-front cabinets while granite counters line one long wall. A huge center island provides even more working space.

The butler’s pantry with a most charming round brass sink is on the way to a massive dining room with an attractive fireplace. Year-round incredible water views via windows walls are always part of the dining experience.

A staircase just off the massive dining room with extraordinary views goes down to another memorable room: the den/man cave. A story-and-a-half high with exposed beams, this fully paneled room has everything from a huge stone fireplace and extra wide floor boards to a built-in mini bar under the stairs. Original leaded glass windows — each is about four-by-six inches — are in a large bay with built-in seats (with storage). Doors open to the patio/balcony almost directly over the water. You can hear the waves as lapping against the rocks.

Two additional main floor rooms are equally impressive. The sun room, for example, is simply stunning. In addition to a high cove ceiling and fireplace with a raised hearth, full glass pane sliders on two walls lead to a wraparound deck. The pine floors are just beautiful.

In the living room that has a massive picture window — the better to enjoy the view — double doors open to the courtyard.

So much to see

Traditionally known as "the second floor landing," this upstairs space is anything but. Not only does this have another fireplace but the "landing" is a wrap-around balcony completely overlooking the lower inner courtyard. The outdoor view of the ocean is also mesmerizing.

Although each bedroom on this level is delightful with unique features like vaulted ceilings, archways with pediments and beautiful flooring, the master suite at the back of house is the ultimate retreat. French doors from the sitting room with views on two sides open to a sleeping chamber with a vaulted ceiling that has truss-like architecture (similar to the inner courtyard) and a massive bay area with enormous picture windows.

French doors also lead to an anteroom with access to four closets, a private deck and stairs to a viewing "room" and two bathrooms. One with a marble step-in shower and jetted tub has panoramic ocean views. The other bathroom with a view of the inner courtyard has a step-in shower, too.

By the way, the property also includes a charming guest house (with a kitchen, living and dining rooms, bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms) and the artist/gardener’s cottage. Think magical hideaway for this one.

Oh, you can also access the laboratory where John Hays Hammond Jr. worked on his many inventions.

Contact Christine Marino Gordon of Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty at 508-284-1977 or 781-631-8800 or by email: christine.gordon@sothebysrealty.com.